BMW R 1250 RT
The first-class seat in New Zealand motorcycling. Full specification, radar cruise control, low kilometres — now available for hire from Christchurch.
Low kmLate-model, full specification
Adaptive cruiseRadar-guided Active Cruise Control
136 hp1,254 cc ShiftCam boxer
805 mmSeat height, adjustable to 825
The grand tourer
Some motorcycles get you there. This one takes care of you the whole way.
Since the late 1970s, RT has meant one thing at BMW: the machine you choose when the journey itself is the destination. The R 1250 RT is the modern expression of that idea — a 1,254 cc ShiftCam boxer with effortless, turbine-smooth power, wrapped in weather protection so complete that a cold morning over Arthur’s Pass feels like a quiet afternoon.
Every motorcycle in our fleet is full specification. That is a philosophy, not a sales line: experienced riders manage their own risk, and the right machine should widen their margins. On the RT that means heated seats and grips, an electric windscreen, Dynamic ESA electronic suspension, a 10.25-inch display with navigation, and BMW’s radar-guided Active Cruise Control — all of it working quietly on your behalf, so that day eight feels as good as day one.
Active Cruise Control
It watches the road with you
This machine carries BMW’s radar-guided Active Cruise Control — rare on any motorcycle, and rarer still on a rental. Set your speed and your preferred following distance, and the RT holds station with the traffic ahead, easing off and gathering pace again on its own.
New Zealand’s best roads are two-lane, and in summer you will share them with campervans. Rather than a stop-start ride, ACC lets you settle in, look about you, and choose your moment. You arrive at day’s end noticeably fresher, with your attention spent on the scenery rather than the speedometer. Once you have toured with it, there is no going back.
The boxer heart
1,254 cc · 100 kW (136 hp) · 143 Nm. BMW’s ShiftCam engine delivers its strength low and everywhere, so an overtake is a thought rather than an event — two up and fully loaded included.
A cabin, not a cockpit
Electric windscreen, heated grips and seats, a fairing that stills the air. Behind it the wind is calm enough for conversation — hour after hour, in whatever the mountains send. On a South Island tour, that is the difference between a long day and a hard one.
Everything with you
Two panniers and the 49-litre top case take luggage for a month, locked and dry. Your phone charges in the sealed compartment while it drives the navigation. Your gear arrives as fresh as you do.
An honest word
GS, or RT?
We have been putting riders on GS motorcycles since 1987, and the R 1300 GS remains the right answer for most New Zealand itineraries. But not all of them. Here is how we would steer you.
Choose the RT if
- You are touring two-up and want your passenger to enjoy it as much as you do
- Your route is the great sealed roads — the West Coast, Haast, Lindis, Crown Range, the Catlins — not gravel
- You would rather sit at 805 mm than 850, with the weight carried low
- Long days in changeable weather are part of the plan
Choose the GS if
- Gravel is on the wish list — Glenorchy to Paradise and beyond
- You like an upright, commanding view and a lighter feel at walking pace
- You are riding solo and travelling light
- You simply want the one everybody talks about
Prices
The R 1250 RT sits in the same rate tier as our R 1300 GS. Longer hires cost less per day.
| Days: | Peak/High Season 1 November – 31 March | Shoulder Season 1 April – 31 October |
| 22 days & over | NZ$329 | NZ$309 |
| 15 – 21 days | NZ$359 | NZ$339 |
| 6 – 14 days | NZ$389 | NZ$369 |
| 2 – 5 days | NZ$419 | NZ$399 |
Every hire includes
- Full motorcycle insurance — damage, fire, theft and third party
- Unlimited kilometres on hires of 6 days or more (350 km per day on shorter hires)
- Panniers and top case, keyed to the bike
- Heated seats and grips, electric screen, cruise control — it is all on the machine
- Quad Lock phone mount and USB charging
- Breakdown cover and 24-hour support, wherever the road takes you
- All taxes and toll road fees
Riders must be 25 or over and hold a full motorcycle licence. Rates valid to 1 January 2027. Full terms and conditions apply.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Air/liquid-cooled flat twin, BMW ShiftCam variable valve timing |
| Displacement | 1,254 cc · 102.5 × 76 mm |
| Power / torque | 100 kW (136 hp) @ 7,750 / 143 Nm @ 6,250 |
| Transmission | 6-speed, shaft drive |
| Cruise control | Active Cruise Control, radar-guided |
| Display | 10.25″ TFT with map navigation and connectivity |
| Suspension | Dynamic ESA, electronically adjusted |
| Front / rear | 37 mm Telelever / Paralever single-sided swingarm |
| Brakes | Twin 320 mm discs / 276 mm disc, Integral ABS Pro |
| Riding aids | Riding modes, traction control, hill start control |
| Comfort | Heated seats and grips, electric windscreen |
| Lighting | Full LED, daytime running lights |
| Tyres | 120/70 ZR17 / 180/55 ZR17 |
| Seat height | 805 mm / 825 mm |
| Fuel tank | 25 litres — around 450 km touring range |
| Kerb weight | 279 kg, fuelled |
| Wheelbase | 1,485 mm |
| Luggage | Panniers (70 L) and top case (49 L), lockable |
Rental rates include all taxes and toll road fees.
Full motorcycle insurance is included in the rental rate, covering the motorcycle, accessories, fire, theft and third party. The standard insurance excess applies; see Terms and Conditions for details.
Unlimited kilometres are included on hires of 6 days or more. Shorter hires include 350 km per day.
Peak season: 1 November – 31 March
Shoulder season: 1 April – 31 October
Riders must be 25 or over and hold a full motorcycle licence. Rates valid to 1 January 2027.
Additional Information
- Included in Hire Fee
- Extras Available
- Terms
- Motorcycles
- License requirements
- Passports/Visas
- Deposits/Payments/Cancellations
- Security Bond
- Insurance
- Responsibility
- FREE Unlimited Kilometers on rentals 5 Days & over*
- Comprehensive Motorcycle Insurance (Standard Deductible Applies)
- Tax (GST)
- Toll Road Fees
- USB charging Port & Quad Lock Phone Mount
- Heated Grips on all our rental motorcycles
- BMW models have the factory Navigator GPS Mount.
*Short Term Rentals have Free 350 kilometres per day included (Note: Short term hire - if you travel over the generous 350 per day allowance, additional distance will be charged at 59c per KM)
- Motorcycle Navigation - Garmin Zumo XT (for BMW, Triumph & Yamaha)
- Motorcycle Navigation TomTom Rider 400/450 GPS (for Honda Models)
- Side Luggage - premium hard panniers available on all models (genuine luggage or Givi Trekker Alaska Alloy cases 36 litre)
- Side clip on soft luggage available on most models (Givi Canyon bags)
- Top-boxes available on all models except BMW R1250R (genuine top case or Givi Trekker outback Alloy cases - 42 or 58 litre)
- Tank-bags available (Small clip on with clear phone pocket)
- Lowering links can be fitted to the rear suspension CB500X
- Low & Standard Seats available for most models
- Puncture repair and tyre inflation kits
- Collision Damage Waiver – From $10 per day for lower bond rate
There is a small charge for extras.
- Rider minimum age is 21 years old and must hold valid motorcycle license & can only hire bikes up to 650cc
- Hire Motorcycles 700cc and over have a minimum rider age of 25.
- Long Term Hires - Hires over 22 days rates are by negotiation, please ask for options
- Our main depot is Christchurch, please try to pick up and drop off in CHC.
- One-way hires are expensive. One way hires Auckland -Christchurch, or Christchurch – Auckland will incur a $899 relocation surcharge.
All our rental motorcycles are maintained by fully qualified motorcycle technicians, and are New Zealand Government Transport certified as rental vehicles.
During the hire period NZBIKE.COM is not obliged to replace an accident damaged motorcycle, but we will do our best to get you back on the road as soon as possible. If you damage a motorcycle you must report this to NZBIKE.COM immediately.
During the hire period the hirer is responsible for taking care of the motorcycle including basic maintenance - correct tyre pressures & fluid levels.
Most overseas licenses are valid for use in New Zealand; the same restrictions apply as the country of origin. Riders must be 25 years of age or over for all our motorcycles over 700cc and have reasonable riding experience. Licenses must have a motorcycle endorsement. If your license is not in English, an international driving permit or certified translation will be required.
The customer or the customer's travel agent is responsible for all paperwork requiring entry to New Zealand.
Entry into New Zealand
Visa requirements can change, please check for the latest entry requirements from your country to New Zealand, please allow plenty of time to obtain your visa. For countries that are on the visa waiver program you will have to apply for an NZeTA, these can take up to 72 hours to process, please do this well in advance of your travel date, they are valid for 2 years.
-
20% deposit required to confirm a RENTAL booking. Deposit 50% refundable if cancelled prior to 31 days of hire commencing. Rentals should be fully paid 30 days prior to departure.
-
20% deposit required to reserve a TOUR or Group Booking. Deposit is 50% refundable if cancelled prior to 61 days of tour or hire commencing.
Tours or Group Booking should be fully paid 60 days prior to departure, full tour fee is 50% refundable between 60 to 31 days from departure of tour or hire commencing. -
All Rentals, Tours or Group Booking if cancelled within 30 days of departure are non-refundable and full payment is due.
-
Any cancelation due to NZ boarders closing will be 100% refunded or transferred to a later booking once boarders open.
Note: Group Booking is 4 or more bikes.
A bond equal to the insurance excess amount is required from the hirer at the time the motorcycle is picked up. This bond is to be secured with a credit card pre-authorization and is cancelled when the motorcycle is returned undamaged to NZBIKE.COM Depot. Any damage to the motorcycle, up to the insurance excess will be deducted from the security bond (or CDW amount if applicable).
- Note: Credit Card is needed on hire pickup, Bonds are not charged but a pre-authorization of the bond amount is confirmed. Your credit card must have sufficient clear funds equal to the bond amount.
Full comprehensive motorcycle insurance is included in the rental rates. This includes the motorcycle, accessories, fire, theft and third party.
The schedule of Insurance excess/deductible:
The standard Insurance excess (deductible) on Motorcycles 800cc and lower is NZ$2500
The standard Insurance excess (deductible) on Motorcycles over 800cc is NZ$4500
Stage 1 Collision Damage Waiver (CDW 1) reduces the Insurance Excess to $2500 cost is $10 per day
Stage 2 Collision Damage Waiver (CDW 2) reduces the Insurance Excess to $790 cost is $45 per day
Stage 3 Collision Damage Waiver (CDW 3) reduces the Insurance Excess to $0 cost is $79 per day
Note: Stage 3 Collision Damage Waiver is only available on hires 8 days or more.
Stage 2 and 3 excess reduction does not apply for gravel road riding, the standard excess will apply.
Additional excess applies for younger riders: $500 extra for riders under 25 and $1000 extra for riders under 21.
When you pick up the motorcycle you will need a credit card with sufficient funds to cover whatever excess amount applies to your insurance selection.
Breakdown cover is included in the motorcycle rental rate.
NZBIKE.COM will pay for all road tolls on any of it’s rental bikes anywhere in New Zealand.
NZBIKE.COM does not assume responsibility for bodily injury, nor for any damage or loss to personal effects. However while in New Zealand, you are covered by ACC (accident compensation corporation), which may cover all or 80% of medical expenses for any vehicle or personal accident you may suffer. We recommend that you carry comprehensive travel insurance for your entire stay in NZ.
NZBIKE.COM will not be responsible or liable for speeding, parking tickets, weather, acts of god, or any other circumstances beyond it's control. Nor shall NZBIKE.COM be responsible or liable for delay, loss, damage or injury to person or property and/or illness incurred during their stay in connection with or relating to the supply or omission of air, sea, land transportation services, or of accommodation, meals, facilities, entertainment or other services provided by NZBIKE.COM.
NZBIKE.COM will charge a $75 administration fee on any speeding or parking tickets that remain unpaid once the rental is concluded.
